Today, picking a pair of headphones is not an easy task. There are many established players in the market, each offering solid and viable options. We’ll highlight a few choices that are great picks for a budget between $200 and $500. We hope this guide helps you shortlist the best noise-canceling headphones.
- JBL Live 770NC: $200
- Sony WH-1000XM5: $300
- Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra: $429
- Apple AirPods Max: $549
JBL Live 770NC
Highlights
- Battery life (up to 65 hours)
- Lightweight
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility
- Heavy on the bass
Drawbacks
- Made of thin plastic
- Feels on the cheaper side
- Doesn’t have the best ANC
- The look is somewhat generic
JBL offers great value for the money. For $200, you get a solid pair of headphones that will do the job on a commute, during a walk, or even on a short flight. They may not be the flashiest or most beautiful pair, but they’re definitely worth considering, especially if you can find a good deal online.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Highlights
- Great all-around sound
- High-quality ANC
- One of the best mics for calls
Drawbacks
- Cannot be folded
- No physical buttons
- Not suited for small heads
The WH series has been a great line of headphones, starting with the XM3. The sound quality, noise-canceling performance, and design have all been spot-on. At a price tag of $300, you simply can’t find a better deal. The minor drawbacks that might make some people consider an alternative are the lack of physical buttons. This isn’t exactly a disadvantage, but rather a design choice that you either like or don’t. Additionally, the headband might be a bit large for people with smaller heads, which could affect comfort. We suggest trying them out first if you have any doubts.
Boss Quiet Comfort Ultra
Highlights
- Amazing noise isolation
- Folding design
- Well-built
Drawbacks
- Price
The Bose QuietComfort is technically slightly better than the Sony WH series in noise cancellation. Additionally, the folding design is a must for some people, especially if you travel often. On long journeys, the Bose QuietComfort is the companion you’d want to have. Once you hold these headphones in your hands, you can feel the quality build and durability. If the Bose QuietComfort weren’t $130 more expensive than the Sony, it would be an easy choice.
Apple AirPods Max
Highlights
- Design/aesthetic
- Build quality
- Digital crown
Drawbacks
- Heavy
- Call Quality
- No 3.5mm jack
The Apple AirPods Max are the flashiest and will attract the most attention. In a way, they can be seen as an accessory, but don’t underestimate this product. They’re well-built, with great noise cancellation and sound quality. The digital crown is a nice touch that’s hard to explain unless you try it. The biggest drawback is the weight (13.6 ounces or 384.8 grams). The AirPods Max are almost 4.6 ounces (130 grams) heavier than the Bose or Sony models, which can become uncomfortable during longer sessions.
